Botswana’s energy landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution. At the heart of this transformation is the Rooftop Solar Programme (RTS), an initiative that empowers citizens and businesses to generate their own electricity using solar power—and to earn money by feeding excess electricity back into the national grid.
Launched in November 2020 by the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology, and Energy Security (MMGE) in partnership with the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) and with support from USAID, the RTS is a key part of Botswana’s strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on imported electricity. The program aims to increase energy independence, promote environmental sustainability, and offer financial incentives for those who invest in solar technology.
The RTS is essentially a net metering scheme. This means individuals, companies, and institutions can install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and use the electricity they produce for their own consumption. Any surplus energy that is not used can be fed into the national grid. In return, participants earn credit on their electricity bill. After 12 months, any unused credit is converted into cash and paid out at a rate of 81.51 thebe per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Participants in the program sign a 15-year interconnection agreement with BPC, which is renewable upon expiration. Residential customers are allowed to install solar systems with a capacity of up to 35 kilowatts peak (kWp), while commercial and industrial users can install systems up to 1 megawatt peak (MWp).
To qualify for the RTS programme, applicants must be registered BPC customers and must own the rooftop solar system they install. Additionally, a bidirectional meter must be installed to track both electricity consumption from the grid and electricity supplied back to it. Applications can be submitted through the official RTS portal provided by BPC.
Since its inception, the RTS programme has seen significant uptake. Initially targeting 10 megawatts of solar capacity in its first year (2 MW from residential users and 8 MW from commercial and industrial users), the programme has now allocated over 30 MW to participating customers. This growth aligns with Botswana’s broader national energy strategy, which aims for at least 50% of the country’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2036.
The RTS programme is not just an environmental solution—it is also an economic opportunity. It reduces electricity bills, provides an income stream through the sale of surplus energy, and stimulates growth in Botswana’s solar energy sector. It also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping Botswana meet its international climate commitments.
How Solarpro Energy Can Help
If you’re interested in going solar but unsure where to begin, Solarpro Energy is here to help you every step of the way. We provide expert guidance on system design, installation, and RTS programme compliance. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business, we ensure your solar investment meets both your energy needs and BPC requirements.
We also offer a Free Solar Assessment to help you understand your property’s solar potential, estimate savings, and explore your eligibility for the RTS programme. It’s fast, obligation-free, and tailored to your energy usage.
👉 Click here to do free solar assessment today and start your journey toward clean, money-saving energy.
The Rooftop Solar Programme is a bold step forward in Botswana’s journey toward a greener, more self-reliant energy future. By enabling citizens to participate directly in power generation and rewarding them for doing so, the RTS stands as a model for sustainable development—offering economic, environmental, and social benefits across the board. Let Solarpro Energy help you become part of that change. Contact our sales team for a free quote on 310 1006 or [email protected]
